Patna: The Bihar deputy chief minister, Vijay Kumar Sinha, has warned striking officials in the state’s revenue department that they could face immediate termination if they do not resume work soon, escalating tensions between the government and employees protesting over their demands.
Circle Officers (COs) and Revenue Officers (ROs) in Bihar’s Department of Revenue and Land Reforms have been on strike for several days, disrupting administrative work related to land records and public services. Addressing a press conference, Sinha said the government was closely monitoring the duration of the strike and would take strict action if employees continued to stay away from their duties.
Sinha criticised the strike, arguing that it undermined the officials’ own demands and damaged the department’s public image. “Some people are weakening their demands by striking,” he said. “This was not the season for strikes, but for work. The month of March should have been used to improve the department’s reputation and resolve pending issues, sending a positive message to the public.”
He added that the government remained open to dialogue but warned that continued disruption would not be tolerated. According to Sinha, employees who returned to work would be treated with respect and their concerns would be considered. However, he said the government would not accept what he described as “pressure politics” that prevents officials from addressing public grievances.
“If the striking employees do not return to work, we will terminate their employment,” Sinha said, adding that the government may also consider temporary reinstatement if necessary but that patience had run out.
The deputy chief minister also suggested that the strike could be influenced by external interests. He alleged that “land mafia” groups might be attempting to destabilise reforms in the department, warning that those behind such efforts would “regret it in the coming days”.
During the briefing, Sinha also highlighted the department’s work during its first 100 days in office under the current administration led by chief minister Nitish Kumar. He said the government had launched the Bihar Bhoomi portal to streamline land-related services and improve transparency in land administration.
According to Sinha, the portal began communications on December 12 and was part of a broader push to modernise land management systems. He added that officials continued working even during the New Year period and said the chief minister had praised the department’s efforts.
